Biology Lab Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Lab assistant

Job Description

This role focuses on testing for food and dietary supplements, with a primary emphasis on contaminants analysis using LC-MS instrumentation. The Associate Analytical Chemist prepares samples, performs extractions and dilutions, and runs high-volume assays in a fast-paced, production-style laboratory environment. The position offers strong growth potential, cross-team mobility, and opportunities to develop expertise across a broad portfolio of food chemistry tests.

Responsibilities

• Prepare sample dilutions and analytical standards for routine and specialized assays.
• Perform solid phase extraction (SPE) procedures to isolate and concentrate analytes for LC-MS analysis.
• Train on and operate at least one LC-based assay, with LC-MS instrumentation as a primary technical focus.
• Conduct sample preparation and extraction for LC-MS methods and either run the LC-MS assays directly or provide technical support for LC-MS workflows.
• Run a high-volume creatine assay, including preparing dilutions and monitoring temperature-sensitive conditions to ensure accurate results.
• Apply aseptic technique and good laboratory practices to maintain sample integrity and prevent contamination.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced, production-oriented laboratory to complete testing within established client timeframes.
• Follow established protocols and standard operating procedures for food and dietary supplement testing, including contaminants and nutritional analyses.
• Use laboratory instrumentation such as UPLC, HPLC, GC, and LC-MS technologies as needed within the testing portfolio.
• Support testing related to vitamins, minerals, contaminants, pesticides, shelf-life studies, and specialized products such as infant formula, sole-source nutrition products, hemp and CBD, dietary supplements, and botanicals.
• Adapt to changes in assay methods and workflows, particularly for the creatine assay, and respond positively to direction and feedback.
• Document laboratory activities accurately and maintain organized records in accordance with laboratory and ISO-accredited quality standards.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet daily batch and testing goals while maintaining high-quality results.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by being flexible, open to learning new techniques, and willing to move between teams if needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related life science or STEM field, ideally including coursework in analytical chemistry.
• 0–1 year of hands-on chemistry laboratory experience, which may include academic or industrial lab work.
• Foundational knowledge in biology, microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry.
• Experience or training in aseptic technique and good laboratory practices.
• Ability to prepare accurate dilutions and standards for analytical assays.
• Capacity to follow detailed laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Willingness and ability to train on LC-based assays and support LC-MS instrumentation as a primary technical focus.
• Strong adaptability and focus, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, production-like environment.
• Openness to feedback and direction, with the resilience to handle frequent changes in assay conditions and methods.
• Reliable work ethic and commitment to completing assigned tasks and meeting testing deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and an outgoing, collaborative approach to working in a large laboratory team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Any experience with HPLC, GC, or LC-MS instrumentation is a plus.
• Previous experience in a laboratory setting or food service environment is beneficial, Demonstrated flexibility to move between different assay groups or teams as business needs evolve.
• Ability to maintain focus and accuracy in repetitive tasks while meeting productivity expectations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Waunakee, WI.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Waunakee,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.